Fingerprint module maker CrucialTec has developed an optical computer mouse equipped with a fingerprint scanner, said the firm on Friday.

Given that financial technology, or fintech, businesses, have gained momentum in recent years, security and authentication solutions have become important in protecting data from hacking attempts.

“CrucialTech’s new product, dubbed the Biometric TrackPad, or BTP, Mouse, will be a good solution to strengthen security and further vitalize online financial transactions,” a CrucialTec official said.

The BTP Mouse has a fingerprint scanner on its left button, which will allow the authentication process to be carried out with a mere tap of the index finger.

Financial institutions have tried using fingerprint identification technology in the early 2000s, but the market was not ready and technology was not advanced enough at the time.

A CrucialTec official said the time is now right as authentication tech is now mature with lower false authentication and false rejection rates.

New authentication measure such as the BTP Mouse are expected to take off here, especially since online financial transactions in Korea now do not require the use of digital authentication certificates. Online-only banks will also soon be established here.

CrucialTec, which has its headquarters in Pangyo, supplies fingerprint modules to global smartphone makers, including LG Electronics, Huawei, Xiaomi and Sony.

Its biometric modules are installed in a total of 45 smartphones produced by those phone manufacturers.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)